Larry Edward Heinen
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A celebration of life for Larry Edward Heinen, 83, Wichita, formerly of Lawrence, will be held at 3 p.m. on June 12th with a visitation from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service at Warren McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas. Larry passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 in Wichita, KS.
Larry was born on March 21, 1938 in Baldwin City, KS, the son of Alvin and Julia (Taul) Heinen.
Larry graduated from Overbrook High School in Overbrook, KS.
Larry married Yvonne (Dillon) Heinen on March 5, 1955.
He was a dental equipment installer, and repair technician for Pattison-McGrath Company Dental Supplies in Kansas City. He then went on to become a dental supply sales representative for Patterson Dental supply company in Kansas City where he received many awards for being the top sales representative of his region for many years.
Larry’s passion in his youth was baseball. He was a pitcher for the Ottawa American Legion, and was later drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16. He continued his love for the game playing fast pitch softball around the Lawrence area.
He was a member of the Church of the Brethren in Lone Star Ks, and a former member of the Lawrence Optimist Club. Larry was an avid bicyclist and established the Geezer Bike Group in Wichita Ks. He also enjoyed sailing, fishing, hunting, travel, camping and photography. He was an accomplished wood carver especially known for his unique hand carved Santa Clauses. He also taught wood carving through adult education in Lawrence. The Lawrence Journal World published an article about his unique wood carvings in 1993. He coached youth basketball, softball, and was a Lone Star 4-H club leader.
In retirement, winters were spent in Arizona off roading in his Jeep in the desert and mountains. Summers were spent in Wichita, KS where he loved attending all of his grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sporting events.
He is survived by his wife Yvonne (Dillion) Heinen of 66 years.
Other survivors include his two daughters, Lori (Herb) Llewellyn, El Dorado, KS; Stacy (Jeff) Kleymann, Andover, KS; five grandchildren, Caitlin (Colby) Killian, El Dorado, Ks; Gareth Llewellyn (Soemarie Aviles Berdicia) Ventura, CA; Branson (Macy) McCune, Augusta, KS; Marron Kleymann, Sandpoint, ID; Hayd’n Kleymann, Andover, KS; five great grandchildren, Cash, Lanie, Briggs, Beckett, and Brantley; one sister, Letha (Jim) Herschell, Barstow, CA; one niece, Dawn (Ross) Vierria, Cody, WY; two great nephews, Alex; Jack. One uncle C.T. Taul, Baldwin City, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Terry Johnson.
He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s name to AARTI (Andover Augusta Rail Trail Initiative) P.O. Box 692 Andover, Ks 67002 or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Yvonne, Lori, Stacy & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with Larry at our Dillon Reunions. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during these difficult days.
Larry was my all time favorite person that ever came into my bike shop. I absolutely loved just talking with him when he would stop by after a Geezer ride. I’m really going to miss him. To all of Larry’s family I am so sorry for your loss.
Yvonne, Lori, Stacy & family!
I am so very sorry for your loss! Larry was the best! I loved hanging out at your house in lone Star when visiting Lola & Joe ????
I always thought Larry was the coolest Dad and pretty darn funny guy. He didn’t even yell at me when I was fighting with Stacy ????
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you! I know he will be missed! Love to all❤️
Dear Heinen Family, Some years ago when I was just a fledgling dentist starting my Lawrence practice Larry was there to not only provide equipment and supplies but also to go beyond his sales role (probably to the shagrin of his employer) to help us with our equipment repair, give us advice and mostly become a friend and a trusted supporter. I have achieved uncommon success and I am certain that would not have happened without people like Larry who helped me along the way. We missed him in his retirement and miss him more now but celebrate the many lives like mine he touched so deeply along the way. James Otten DDS
Our Heinen Santas continue to be the most treasured center of our Christmas decor, dating back nearly forty years. The twinkle in their eyes brightens our spirits, reminding us of their creators, Larry and Yvonne. Larry carved and Yvonne painted…. quite a team. Larry’s enthusiasm for life lives on in all the lives he touched.
Yvonne, Stacy and Lori and families,
Our hearts ache for you; we pray God will give you the strength and comfort you need. We loved square dancing with you in Lawrence and all the fun New Years breakfasts, eating at Big Boys Restaurant after the dances and all the other fun times together. When you moved to Wichita, we really enjoyed renewing our friendship. Larry was always so upbeat and we cherish our fun times together. We cherish our Santa’s that Larry carved and I can see Larry’s face in their faces. What a blessing he was to so many people! Yvonne, you and your family will continue to be in our prayers and I look forward to our almost daily texts and calls and coffee on the deck! You are loved!
Yvonne and family:
Larry was a joy to work with at Patterson Dental and his mentorship to me as I later took over much of his territory I still hold close today. He was a man of honor, integrity, and vigor!
We, like many others, cherish our Santas that the two of you poured your hearts into. As our kids have grown up there are many things that stay in storage during the holiday season…the Santas are, and always will be, brought out to display.
On behalf of my family and my KC Patterson team, our most sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time.
Yvonne, I was saddened by the news that your beloved husband, Larry, died. I pray that your family and friends will give you strength and comfort you especially during the difficult times you and your family are facing. I enjoyed square dancing with you and Larry and I know Dennis enjoyed getting acquainted with you and Larry the short time we squared danced before the Barn Dancers had to stop. I know from experience that friends make a wonderful impact on handling the sad times you are facing. You remain in my prayers.
Yvonne and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. What a shock. I knew Larry from riding bicycles in Lawrence. He was a great guy and knew the gravel roads of Douglas County like the back of his hand. We rode most of them. On various rides we learned where his old grade school was, where the missile silo used to be. I think our Gravel Geezer group might have been the prototype for his Geezer group in Wichita. And my wife’s most prized Christmas decoration is her Larry Heinen Santa Clause. I’ll really miss him.
Sorry to hear of Larrys passing. Remember him in my class at Overbrook. Prayers are with you and your family.
Yvonne, Stacey, Lori and family,
Dave and I were so very sorry to hear that we had lost Larry. We had such a good time and lots of laughs every time the cousins got together. Losing Bill and now Larry leaves a big void in our group.
Every time I get our Santa’s out or I see my dad’s cowboy, we will think of Larry and you, Yvonne. You are in our thoughts everyday. Love, Dave and Kathy
I am putting out my Santas today and have such great memories of visiting with Larry and picking out a santa or two each year…I am so sad to hear of his passing…..
Just found out when his Birthday came due. A shock. I spent many hours and days on rides with him both in Lawrence Ks and in Gold Canyon Az. An exceptional man. Will miss him!!